We are proud to be Shaker kitchen specialists. While all our kitchens are individually designed and made to order, we often get asked to make Shaker kitchens. So we thought we'd explore what makes the style so popular and versatile ...
What is a Shaker Kitchen and Why Are They So Popular?
Shaker kitchens have been a cornerstone of timeless design for decades, but what is a Shaker kitchen, why are they special, and what makes our Shere Kitchens in Shaker style so exceptional? To understand the enduring appeal, let’s explore their origins, key features, and our designer’s view of why they remain one of the most coveted kitchen styles today.
The Origins of Shaker Kitchens
The term “Shaker” comes from the Shaker community, a religious group that emerged in 18th-century England and later established themselves in America. Renowned for their craftsmanship and simplicity, the Shakers believed in creating functional, high-quality furniture that would stand the test of time. We do too. Their designs were rooted in practicality, rejecting unnecessary embellishments in favour of clean lines and a durable construction.
This ethos laid the foundation for what we now call a Shaker kitchen, a style defined by understated elegance and practicality. At Shere Kitchens we spend a lot of time ensuring that our designs are both beautiful and practical, and that we make the most of each home, considering storage, space to prepare, cook and enjoy food.
Key Features of a Shaker Kitchen
- Simple Yet Stylish Cabinetry
Shaker cabinets are instantly recognisable. They feature a flat central panel surrounded by a frame. This design balances minimalism with subtle detail, making it versatile enough for both contemporary and traditional homes. - High-Quality Materials
Originally made from solid woods like maple, cherry, or oak. Our kitchens are made to order with high-quality materials including Oak, Maple, Cherry, Walnut, Tulip wood, birch ply and furniture grade mrmdf. - Neutral Colour Palettes
Shaker kitchens often embrace muted tones like white, cream, grey, and soft greens or blues. These shades enhance the timeless appeal while allowing other elements of the kitchen to shine, such as worktops or statement tiles. - Functional Layouts
The Shaker philosophy values efficiency and usability. This translates into thoughtful layouts that optimise storage and workflow, ensuring your kitchen is as practical as it is beautiful. - Durable Hardware
Shaker kitchens often feature sturdy knobs or cup handles in materials like brushed brass, nickel, or iron. These small details tie the look together while emphasising longevity.
Why Are Shaker Kitchens So Popular?
What's the appeal? For us, it's the simple lines, the proportions, the classic look and feel. Practical but also so pleasing to look at. Shaker style is is versatile. It can compliment period features, look timeless for a Grade listed property, & add character with a contemporary feel for a kitchen extension or new build.
For a traditional feel, our in-frame shaker kitchens can be made with butt hinges. For a more modern touch we use soft close hinges.
Shaker kitchens have stood the test of time for several reasons:
- Versatility: Their clean design adapts to various aesthetics, from bucolic farmhouse to sleek modern kitchen extension.
- Timeless Appeal: The classic look doesn’t date, so your kitchen will still look stylish decades down the line.
- Durability: Built with craftsmanship and quality materials, Shaker kitchens are an investment.
- Ease of Customisation: While the design is simple, it’s easy to personalise a Shaker kitchen with different size cabinetry (floor to ceiling), different finishes, colours, & hardware to reflect your style.
Shere Kitchens Bespoke Shaker Kitchens
At Shere Kitchens, we are proud to be Shaker Kitchen Specialists. It is such a pleasure to design bespoke Shaker kitchens, tailored individually for each home. Whether you’re drawn to a traditional hand-painted finish or a contemporary twist with bold colours, we’ll work with you to design a kitchen that balances practicality and timeless beauty.
From the materials to thoughtful layouts, every detail is meticulously considered to ensure your kitchen works beautifully and provides you with a beautiful place to live.
What sets us apart in crafting bespoke shaker kitchens? It's our roots in classical bench joinery and traditional furniture-making. Andy is a classically trained furniture maker and architectural joiner, bringing a deep understanding of timeless techniques and a meticulous eye for detail, proportions and style to every project. While Mike is an expert at working with architectural features to make the most of your space.
Every piece we create, whether for your kitchen, utility room, boot room or study, balances beauty, functionality & character.
While trends come and go, our dedication to classical principles means your shaker kitchen will stand the test of time, both in style and durability.
If you’re thinking about a bespoke Shaker kitchen for your home, you’d be welcome to visit our showroom. We’d love to show you how we bring this timeless style to life. We are bespoke Shaker Kitchen specialists with our own workshop and showroom in Shere near Guildford. We combine our expertise in kitchen design, cabinetry and building knowledge to help our clients make the most of their space.
At Shere Kitchens, we are proud to be Shaker Kitchen Specialists. This is an example of our take on a Shaker kitchen: our 'Flowers Kitchen'. A bespoke kitchen, designed for a busy family. The room is open-plan with a reading/play area, a snug and dining space, with the kitchen is in the middle of the 't' shape room.
Click HERE to see more: The Flowers Kitchen | Shere Kitchens - beautiful kitchens custom made in Shere Guildford Surrey
We are bespoke Shaker Kitchen specialists with our showroom in Shere near Guildford. We combine our expertise in kitchen design, cabinetry and building knowledge to help our clients make the most of their space and add value to their home Our showroom is open by appointment, please contact Ella to arrange to meet with our designers Mike & Andy. You'd be welcome to visit us, to explore the different types of bespoke cabinetry we offer, worktops & handle samples. For our contact details click HERE.